The Powderhorn Wilderness is found in a rugged, glacier-carved landscape of the northern reaches of the San Juan Mountains. The area consists of large expanses of alpine tundra, spruce forests, and several alpine lakes at nearly 12,000 feet in elevation. Breathtaking views of the San Juan Mountains are available in this wilderness. Above 12,000 feet are two high-elevation plateaus that make up the largest relatively flat expanse of alpine tundra in the lower 48 states.

These plateaus were created by Teritary volcanic deposits believe to be 5,000 feet thick in some areas. The Cannibal Plateau, Devil's Lake, the Powderhorn Lakes, and Powderhorn Creek are also intriguing features. Visitors can explore more than 45 miles of trails within this area, including Powderhorn Lakes Trail, East Fork Trail, Powderhorn Park Trail, Middle Fork Trail, and Devil's Creek Trail.

Recreation: Activities include hiking, backpacking, camping, horseback riding, fishing, hunting, and photography. For more information, visit the Recreation page. Please note that though unconfined recreation is encouraged in wilderness, specific types of recreation may be barred from a specific area to prevent degradation of wilderness conditions.

Click here for additional information about the Powderhorn Wilderness from the Gunnison Field Office.

As stated in the Wilderness Act of 1964, Sec. 4 (c) , "...there shall be no temporary road, no use of motor vehicles, motorized equipment or motorboats, no landing of aircraft, no other form of mechanical transport, and no structure or installation within any such area."